This is to be specially noted in the new article, No.

30, in which signals are provided for particular squadrons and particular divisions forming line of battle abreast.

It is true that the old rigid form of an attack from windward is retained, but, ineffective as the system proved, it was certainly not inspired, as is so often said, by a mediaeval conception of naval battle as a series of single ship actions.

From what has been already said, the well-considered tactical idea that underlay it is obvious.

The injunction to range the length of the enemy's line van to van, and rear to rear, or _vice versa_, was aimed at avoiding being doubled at either end of the line; while the injunction to bear down together was obviously the quickest mode of bringing the whole fleet into action without giving the enemy a chance of weathering any part of it by 'gaining its wake.' That it was inadequate for this purpose is well known.